Living in zone 6, I used to dread watching my garden fade into dull browns and grays each winter.
But after years of experimenting, I’ve discovered some amazing groundcovers that keep my landscape vibrant even during the coldest months.
Here are my favorite winter warriors that add color and life to those dreary winter days!
1. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
I absolutely adore how English ivy maintains its deep emerald color throughout winter. In my front yard, it’s created the most beautiful dense mat of foliage that suppresses weeds better than any mulch I’ve tried.
But I’ll be honest – this plant needs a firm hand! I learned the hard way that it can be quite the garden bully if left unchecked. I now keep it well-trimmed to prevent it from climbing up my trees or spreading where it shouldn’t.
2. Holly Bush
The holly bushes flanking my garden gate are my pride and joy during winter. Their glossy green leaves and cheerful red berries bring such festive charm to the landscape.
Mine have grown to about 6 feet tall, creating the perfect natural privacy screen. Just remember you’ll need both male and female plants for those gorgeous berries to appear – I actually had to add a male holly after wondering why my original bush never produced berries!
Keep in mind that while birds love the berries, they’re toxic to children and pets. I’ve trained my little ones to admire them from a safe distance.
3. Bird’s Nest Spruce
This unique evergreen has become my go-to for adding year-round structure to my garden beds. Its nest-like depression at the top always catches my grandkids’ attention!
Standing at a manageable 2-3 feet tall and wide, it’s the perfect size for foundation plantings. I’ve placed several along my front walkway, and they look stunning even under a blanket of snow.
4. Candytuft Snowflake
This little beauty has stolen my heart with its evergreen foliage that stays fresh all winter long. Come spring, it erupts in a cascade of white blooms that never fails to take my breath away.
I’ve planted masses of it along my garden path, and it’s proven to be incredibly low-maintenance. Even during our worst drought last summer, it kept right on thriving.
5. Liriope Big Blue
The fountain-like foliage of Liriope has transformed my garden borders. Its grassy straps add wonderful texture year-round, and I love how the purple summer blooms fade to interesting seedheads in winter.
This tough plant has survived everything from harsh winters to my grandson’s soccer ball adventures. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it kind of plant.
6. Creeping Thyme
Walking through my garden and catching the aromatic scent of creeping thyme is one of life’s simple pleasures. I’ve planted it between my stepping stones, and it’s created a magical carpet that stays green even in winter.
This hardy ground cover has proven fantastic at controlling erosion on my slight garden slope. Plus, it’s strong enough to handle foot traffic while still looking delicate and beautiful.
7. Good Vibrations Gold Juniper
The golden foliage of this juniper brings such warmth to my winter garden. I especially love how it transforms to rich bronze tones when temperatures drop.
At just 12-18 inches tall, it’s perfect for my rock garden. It’s been completely carefree since planting, thriving even in full sun with minimal water.
8. White Album Euonymus
The variegated leaves of this evergreen brightens up even the gloomiest winter days. I’ve used it to create gorgeous mounds throughout my shade garden.
Its slow-growing nature means I rarely need to prune it, making it perfect for my busy lifestyle. It’s become my go-to choice for low-maintenance winter interest.
9. Juniper Nana
This dwarf Japanese garden juniper has transformed my sloped front yard into a year-round showpiece. Its spreading habit provides excellent coverage while maintaining its vibrant color through winter.
I particularly appreciate how it thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it incredibly versatile in my landscape design.
10. Ajuga Burgundy Glow
The rich tapestry of colors in this ground cover never fails to amaze me. From creamy white to deep burgundy, it creates a stunning carpet that looks gorgeous even under frost.
I’ve planted it in both sunny and shady spots, and it performs beautifully in either location. The spring show of blue flower spikes is just an added bonus to its winter performance.